Accident Details
The accident airplane collided with high vegetation and terrain after a premature liftoff during a takeoff ground run. The airplane was being used for a private pilot flight test administered by a designated pilot examiner (DPE) to a private pilot candidate. The DPE requested that the student pilot demonstrate a short field takeoff.
Examiner's Account
According to the DPE, as the airplane proceeded down the runway, it became apparent that the airplane was behind the power curve. He was about to pull the power when the airplane became airborne and made a turn to the left. Subsequently, the left wing hit corn at the side of the runway, pulling the airplane into the corn.
Student Pilot's Account
The student pilot reported that he pulled the nose up as soon as possible and used side-to-side vision to steer the airplane. He described the ride as slow and rough. The airplane became airborne momentarily twice. When he spotted the corn, he tried to pull up. The airplane lifted but settled back down at the edge of the corn.
The circumstances of the accident indicate that the premature liftoff occurred during the short field takeoff attempt, leading to the collision with vegetation and terrain.